Rockets Return Home, Host LeBron and the Lakers
Perimeter Returns. L.A. Fakers. Telling Tale.
The King’s in town as the Rockets host LeBron James and the Lakers on Tuesday night in a battle of two sliding teams. Good news for Houston is in the air, as they will see the return of Kevin Porter Jr. after a lengthy absence due to a thigh injury. Jalen Green also returns after missing the previous game for cautionary reasons. Green came back from a hamstring injury two games ago, and had a decent game, scoring 20 points. Will the return of Houston’s best two perimeter players boost their chances tonight? The Rockets will have to pray. Los Angeles will be motivated as ever coming into Houston tonight.
The Lakers have lost five straight games, while the Rockets have lost four in a row. A motivated LeBron James is still the most dangerous variable in the NBA, and that’s something Houston will have to deal with tonight. The Lakers won’t have Anthony Davis, but former-Rocket Russell Westbrook will be back in Houston, and probably motivated to torture his former team. So are these Lakers authentic championship contenders, or just as fake as a mirage in the desert? Tonight’s result won’t answer that question, as LeBron and co. have their own uphill battle, sitting two games below .500 as we approach the halfway mark in the NBA season.
This will be a telling tale for the Rockets for the remainder of the season. If they can pull this victory off, it would be something special, and certainly with the return of their perimeter stars, be a good sign for the future. Regardless, if they lose, which won’t be surprising, Houston’s only inching further towards one of the worst three records in the league, which get the best odds for the number one overall pick in next year’s draft. It will be nice to see Green and Scoot back on the floor, but they’ve got a dangerous freight train to contend with in James. Even as he approaches age 37, LeBron’s still the most dominant force in the NBA. And don’t expect him to let the Lakers lose to the last place Rockets on Tuesday. Will Houston’s good news on the roster report be enough to derail the King? Buckle up for what should be an entertaining, star-studded affair on the court tonight.
Toyota Center: Houston, Texas
Jersey Colors:
Los Angeles Lakers (16-18): Yellow
Houston Rockets (10-24): Red
Tip-Off: 7 PM CT
TV: AT&T Sportsnet SW, NBA League Pass